I’ve noticed that I’m getting more and more calls lately to Stage vacant homes.Although I’m adamant that a vacant house needs Staging, don’t wait until the owners have moved out to bring in the services of a professional Home Stager. Those days, weeks, and months on the market for a house that hasn’t been Staged are money down the drain.
There’s hardly a house on the market that couldn’t use some level of Staging to really help it look its best.Most homeowners over time have overlooked the build up of clutter in their home, or have put off updating rooms, and don’t realize the competition they are up against in this current real estate market.By not dealing with these issues before the property is even listed you’re taking a chance on missing out on an early sale.Buyers see the way things are, not the potential of a space, and clutter eats equity.
Realtors know that the most activity on a listing usually occurs when the house first hits the MLS.Why waste all those early potential buyers on a home that looks “well-used” versus a house that’s been Staged?Before you post that listing have an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) do a walk through and assessment of the house.Get it in tip top showing condition before that first buyer walks through the door.
Some may argue that they’ll wait to see if the house will sell on it’s own without the assistance of Staging, not wanting to put any extra money into the marketing of the property, but statistics show that the investment in Staging is always less than your first price reduction.With all the different levels and price points of Staging an ASP can offer, there’s something to fit every budget, and therefore no excuse to delay until the house becomes vacant.A vacant house feels cold, abandoned, echoes, and leads many buyers to think the seller is desperate and willing to sell for a low ball offer.
Don’t wait until the house is an empty shell.Delaying is a disservice both to the sellers and the Realtor.Each month of an additional mortgage payment, keeping the house ready to show at all times, and the uncertainty of wondering if the house will sell in a timely fashion are stresses that can very likely be mitigated by calling in a ASP before putting the house on the market.Call an Accredited Home Stager today!
Happy 2010 everyone! I’m excited for the new things happening this year.
I’m honored to have just been installed as President for the Nashville Regional Chapter of International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) and as Secretary for the Middle Tennessee Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors. I enjoy working with these other professionals, not only in promoting Staging and the Real Estate Profession, but because of the opportunity to share ideas, network, and make great friends. Through both professional organizations we will be providing continuing education, community service, and informing the public about what we have to offer. Keep checking under my events section to see what’s coming up!
The $8,000 First Time Homebuyer credit has been extended a few months so sellers need to take advantage of these new home buyers in the market by Staging their houses to attract these “first-timers”. I’ve already done a blog about targeting this market so I hope it gave you some good information.
The real estate market has begun to turn for the better in our area, and Home Staging can and will serve as a means to improve market conditions and the economy as a whole. As the public is becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of Home Staging through television programs and articles, Realtors and sellers alike should realize how Home Staging is a vital component in any real estate marketing plan. Just as Realtors have a responsibility to help their clients get the most out of their listing, home owners are looking to maximize their equity.
Remember - Allow buyers to see the great qualities of your house, not how you’ve filled up your home. STAGE IT!
With the extension of the $8,000 credit for first time home buyers, sellers need to take advantage of these additional potential home buyers. Because these are typically younger buyers, it’s important to market your property fit their demographics. Outdated wall paper, antiques, and the country look are not going to appeal to these buyers. They are looking for sleek, modern, neutral and spacious. Younger buyers are used to new, updated and trendy things and will be looking for that in a home. They also probably don’t have much extra money or experience to put into doing updates or cosmetic fixes on their own, so these things need to be dealt with by sellers in advance. Buyers only see things the way they are, not the way the could be, so giving a carpet replacement or painting allowance is not going to cut it. If it comes down to a house that needs upgrades, new carpet or paint, and one that is move-in ready, the move-in ready wins every time.
Bring in an Accredited Staging Professional to help update the space and make it more attractive to these younger buyers. As a Home Stager working both here in Murfreesboro, TN and throughout middle Tennessee (including Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Smyrna to name a few) I can help sellers make their house a more attractive product on the market. Re-arranging the furniture, removing the clutter, and updating accessories is part of what I do, but I can also help you pick out neutral paint colors and/or carpeting to bring that sense of clean and new to the space. I have affiliations with carpet and paint stores who can give excellent service and prices to fit all budgets.
If the property is vacant I can bring in accessories to warm up the space and help buyers get a sense of the potential of each room. Rental furniture is also an option and I can help select those items to best accentuate the positives of any house. And of course curb appeal is so important as that’s the first thing buyers see when they pull up. Don’t loose them before they even get out of the car.
Don’t wait, because under the tax credit extension rules, to qualify for the credit the property has to be under contract by the end of April. Call or e-mail me to schedule a time for me to come for a no-obligation visit where I can explain what Staging can do for your house and the multiple options of services and pricing. Stage it to Sell it!
